NNPC Crisis: NUPENG, PENGASSAN declare support for GMD Baru

Unions in the oil and gas sector on Monday pledged support for the ‘transformation stride’ of the Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, made the pledge in Abuja according to a statement by Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, had accused Mr. Baru of flouting contractual agreements, creating a fear culture in the corporation and insubordination among others.

Mr. Ughamadu, reacting to the allegations on Monday, however, said the minister’s allegations were not true as due process had been followed in the corporation’s various activities.

Mr. Ughamadu said at a solidarity visit to the GMD, the National President of PENGASSAN, Francis Johnson, said the unions and its members considered it appropriate to rally round Baru and the NNPC Management to pledge their support.

“The unions’ support for the GMD was based on his ability to walk his talk since assuming office last year.

“The National body of PENGASSAN and all the NNPC in-house unions are here today to show our support for you.

”You have brought stability to the NNPC and we are happy today that staff morale is high. You were Chairman of NNPC Anti-Corruption Committee for over five years and that was what informed your appointment as GMD of NNPC.